Watershed the Voice of the Ottawa River | La Voix De La Rivière Des Outaouais

Watershed The voice of the Ottawa River | La voix de la rivière des Outaouais

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DECONSTRUCTED

Fall 2020 ISSUE 1 LA VOIX DE LA RIVIÈRE DES OUTAOUAIS | 1 Riverkeeper’s Welcome

Kwey! Hello!

Welcome to Gala 2020, which is happening right here on the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people.

This gala is very different from galas past. This year we are presenting “Gala: Deconstructed.” Goodies. Adventures. Libations. Auction.

L’idée est née de notre amour et de notre engagement, ceux de l’équipe de Garde-rivière et de nos supporters, envers le bassin versant et les gens qui y vivent; du désir collectif de rester en contact tout en privilégiant la sécurité de tous et de toutes. L’édition 2020 du Gala est une combinaison de livraisons spéciales, de produits soigneusement choisis, de conseils privilégiés sur des endroits à découvrir cet été et bien davantage! I love the water and I love this territory. I love what happens when great Photo: Fangliang Xu people come together with a common purpose, and I love the work we do at Ottawa Riverkeeper. My connection to this place runs deep and strong. I grew up here paddling, swimming and gathering rocks, and I’ve really never stopped. “As all canoers know, In 2019, I attended my first Riverkeeper Gala and felt immediately at home. Non seulement j’y ai rencontré des ami(e)s d’enfance et d’ancien(ne)s collègues sometimes we need to du gouvernement, mais aussi des dirigeant(e)s des Premières Nations avec qui j’avais déjà travaillé, et des aîné(e)s et des enseignant(e)s du territoire algonquin do a cross bow draw and anishinabe, d’où vient la famille de mon père. J’avais très hâte d’être l’hôtesse de mon premier Gala en tant que Garde-rivière. find new directions.” I couldn’t wait to connect with you in person, but as all canoers know, sometimes we need to do a cross bow draw and find new directions. Necessity is the mother of invention and Gala: Deconstructed is the innovative result! Migwech — thank you — to all our sponsors and supporters who continue to support our important work caring for the Ottawa River watershed. Enjoy the stories, research and photos in the pages that follow, all of which show our connection to water that sustains us.

 Elizabeth Logue Ottawa Riverkeeper

2 | THE VOICE OF THE OTTAWA RIVER Watershed Table of Contents  The voice of the Ottawa River | La voix de la rivière des Outaouais

Ottawa Riverkeeper | Garde-rivière des Outaouais Ottawa Riverkeeper: Elizabeth Logue Investing in Executive Director: Patrick Nadeau Director of Donor Relations: Chloe Hillier Flood Protection Director of Science and Policy: Larissa Holman 4 Operations Manager: Dave Rayner Events and Volunteer Coordinator: Katie Shafley Communications Coordinator: Matthew Brocklehurst Biologist: Katy Alambo Administrative Assistant: Sharmila Mahamuni 10 joyaux sur Senior Manager, Youth and Education Programs: Naomi Sarazin Digital Content Creator and Graphic Designer: Mark Bernards Community Outreach Coordinator: Alejandro Prescott-Cornejo l’eau à découvrir Photographer: Martin Lipman 6 Youth Leadership Coordinator: Katya Smirnova Translator: Pier-Antoine Lacombe Intern - Event Communications: Harpriya Singh Intern - Event Logistics: Amanda MacCarthy Intern - Swim Programs: Amanda Ryan Surveying River Intern - Water Quality: Caitlin Hayes Attitudes Board of Directors | Conseil d’administration 8 Geoff Green, C.M., C.Q., Chair: Founder and Director, Students on Ice Jean Perras, Vice-Chair: Former Mayor, Chelsea, Que. Mark Patry, Treasurer: Partner, Welch LLP Colleen Westeinde, Secretary: Manager, Clearly Solar Energy Alexandra M. McGee: Former member, A New Home for Canadian National Whitewater Canoe Slalom Team Fiona McKean: Co-Founder, Thistledown Foundation and Owner, Opinicon Resort Riverkeeper Programs Philip Rimer: Lawyer, Dentons Canada LLP 10 Bob Slater, C.M.: Adjunct Professor in Environmental Policy, Carleton University Peter van Roon: Sales Manager, Small Business, Ottawa Regions at RBC Royal Bank Celine Whiteduck: High school teacher and coach, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Honorary Riverkeepers Tracey Clark: Chief Culture Officer, Bridgehead Coffee Frédéric Boulanger: CEO, Macadamian Sharon and David Johnston Michael McSweeney: President and CEO, Cement Association of Canada 12 Meredith Brown (Officer): Riverkeeper Emeritus Elizabeth Logue (Officer): Ottawa Riverkeeper Patrick Nadeau (Officer): Executive Director, Ottawa Riverkeeper

Gala Committee | Comité du Gala Gala Auction Catalogue Adam Auer, Patricia Barr, Diane Drouin, Geoff Green, Claude Hamelin, Chloe Hillier, Courtney Kehoe, Elizabeth Logue, JP Longboat, Fiona McKean, Patrick Nadeau, Jean Perras, Katie Shafley, Chris Sheppard, Evan 16 Solomon, Craig Stewart, Manuela Teixeira, Lara Van Loon, Sheila Whyte

Gala Magazine | Magazine du Gala Editor: Dan Rubinstein Art Director: Mario Scaffardi Writers: Tyrone Burke, Lisa Gregoire, Susan Nerberg Sponsors and Supporters

On the cover: Canoers enjoying the Ottawa River near Shirleys Bay in the west end of the National Capital Region. Photographed by Mark Bernards on June 28, 2020. Back cover: photograph by Martin Lipman. 18

Ottawa Riverkeeper, a registered charitable Garde-rivière des Outaouais est un organisme sans organization, is a champion and collective voice for but lucratif qui agit comme champion et une voix the Ottawa River watershed, providing leadership collective pour la protection du bassin versant de and inspiration to protect, promote and improve its la rivière des Outaouais, offrant le leadership et Watershed Health ecological health and future. l’inspiration en vue de protéger et de promouvoir sa santé écologique et son avenir. Assessment and Monitoring See something fishy? 20 Call the Pollution Hotline at 1-888-9KEEPER or Vous voyez de la pollution? submit our electronic form. We can help you report Composez le 1-888-953-3737, ou utilisez un the problem and put a stop to the harm. formulaire de déclaration en ligne. Nous vous aiderons à faire ce qu’il faut pour voir au problème. L’importance d’analyser la 275 rue Bay Street, #301 qualité de l’eau de baignade Ottawa, ON, K1R 5Z5 22 613-321-1120 ottawariverkeeper.ca garderivieredesoutaouais.ca Flooding

PROTECTION

PARTNERS Aerialphotographs.ca Marshall, Greg Photo: The Insurance Bureau of Canada addresses the emotional and financial costs of flooding

When flood waters flowed through the streets of For insurance companies, flooding presents a unique challenge. They can predict where floods will occur but can’t know the exact Ottawa and Gatineau in May 2017, the volume of timing or severity. For people living in high-risk areas, insurance the Ottawa River’s spring runoff was the highest is often unaffordable and might not even be available. This leaves governments to cover the costs at the expense of the Canadian ever recorded. taxpayer. As climate change causes more frequent and intense flooding, this becomes less tenable. “IBC recommends a whole-of-society solution,” says Stewart. That spring, there was a heavier than normal snowpack and “For the past three years, we have co-chaired a national council exceptionally heavy rains throughout the watershed, which on flooding with Public Safety Canada. Our working group accelerated snowmelt and swamped low-lying communities and consists of representatives from banks, municipalities, civil society neighbourhoods. “That flood really taught us that the Ottawa organizations, every provincial and territorial government and five River demands respect,” says Craig Stewart, Vice-President of different federal departments. This approach led to our National Federal Affairs for the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), which Action Plan on Flooding (see sidebar) and commitments in the has calculated that flooding now costs Canadians more than mandate letters of five different federal ministers.” any other climate issue. According to this action plan, people living in the most “We promote nature-based solutions — protecting nature flood-prone areas should be strongly encouraged — with where it can protect us,” says Stewart. “A lot of our work focuses incentives — to move. The Government of Quebec began doing on riparian forests and wetlands, and if deforestation upstream this in 2019 when it offered homeowners in flood-affected areas is contributing to flooding, then replanting trees could help keep up to $250,000 to purchase their homes. Disaster assistance snow on the landscape longer and reduce the chance of flooding. arrangements should be amended to discourage development We realized that our aims are aligned with Ottawa Riverkeeper’s in flood plains, according to the plan, and communities deemed goals, and when we had the opportunity to become the to have a high but acceptable level of risk should be incentivized presenting sponsor for the Riverkeeper Gala, we jumped on it.” to reduce that risk by constructing and maintaining flood In Canada, flooding is jurisdictionally complex — Stewart defences such as retention ponds or dams. This would allow compares it to a jigsaw puzzle. Municipal governments are often for the creation of a high-risk insurance pool for some of those on the front lines, but every level of government is involved in the homeowners currently unable to obtain flood insurance. response. Civil society organizations and the private sector also Asking people to move is the most difficult part of the plan. have significant roles to play. “But it’s possible to strategically pinpoint areas where home

4 | THE VOICE OF THE OTTAWA RIVER “We promote nature- based solutions — protecting nature where it can protect us.”

 Craig Stewart, Vice-President of Federal Affairs, Insurance Bureau of Canada Photo: Paul Couvrette Paul Photo:

ACTION PLAN buyouts can occur and the land can be returned to the river,” says Stewart. “This can help protect homes in adjacent areas. This process is called ‘strategic The IBC’s Recommendations for a National Action retreat,’ and it can help make decisions about where Plan on Flooding calls for 1) education, 2) relocation money should be spent to move people out of harm’s way versus where people should be left in place but and 3) protection. defended with investments in infrastructure. And you need to have robust flood mapping to support the process.” (In a survey of 800 Ontarians and Quebecers  Governments and the private sector should use flood maps to who live near the Ottawa River conducted for Ottawa 1 Riverkeeper by Abacus Data in July — see story on educate and empower consumers to reduce their own risks, page eight — virtually all respondents supported and the federal government should invest to improve the government efforts to mitigate flooding while opposing homes being rebuilt in the floodplains.) terrain data that underlies all flood mapping. There are already some strategic retreat programs  Governments must move homes away from areas that in place, and they can help return habitats to their 2 former glory. “After major floods in High River, repeatedly flood and develop a high-risk insurance pool in Alberta, in 2013, the worst hit area was given back to nature as a park,” says Stewart. “Another project partnership with provinces and the insurance industry to near Truro, Nova Scotia, is acquiring land where protect Canadians unable to move from high-risk zones. water can be diverted and coastal salt marshes will be rehabilitated. We need to do a better job of land-use  Invest in an expanded Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation planning so we keep people safe.” 3 Fund to defend those at highest risk. Operationalize a plan to make Canadian homes more climate resilient as well as more energy efficient.

 Opposite page: Flooded homes on the Gatineau side of the Ottawa River in May 2017. Above: Craig Stewart, IBC’s VP of Federal Affairs, at the 2019 Riverkeeper Gala.

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6 | THE VOICE OF THE OTTAWA RIVER Katy Alambo, Biologiste, Greg Fergus, député fédéral de Hull-Aylmer 1 Garde-Rivière des Outaouais Parc des Rapides-Deschênes 6 Lac du Poisson Blanc, Île Verte Quelle belle conjoncture : la rivière des Outaouais, le Envie de faire du canoë-camping? Découvrez le lac du bruit éternel des rapides, les ruines de l’ancienne turbine Joyaux CACHÉS Poisson Blanc! Il y a plusieurs îles sur lesquelles vous hydroélectrique, une magnifique diversité d’oiseaux à pouvez camper, mais ma préférée est l’île Verte. L’île forme observer. C’est hypnotisant et détendant. Accessible à pied, un canal qui se transforme en un “lac” d’eau calme, et à vélo — par tous les moyens sauf l’eau (ironiquement)! pagayer le canal à l’automne est à couper le souffle! Stig Larsson, CEO of Level Six Frederic Boulanger, PDG de Macadamian 7 Petite-Nation River 2 Parc des chutes Coulonge There is a section of the river that we held National Slalom Nous avons visité ce parc à quelques reprises. Le sentier Team spring training camps on called the canyon section. pédestre nous fait voir la beauté du coin, et revivre l’héritage I always loved how you would drive into a farmer’s field de l’exploitation forestière. De beaux points de vues pour and dirtbag it by the river and hear the power of the water les photos! Il y a aussi la zipline qui est remplie d’émotions through the forest and then a short walk upstream you would fortes. Du plaisir pour toute la famille chez nous. be immersed in some of the fastest moving whitewater around.

Isabelle Des Chênes, Executive VP of the Melissa Mascarenhas, Youth Water Leader 3 Chemistry Industry Association of Canada Constance Bay Beach 8 Morris Island Conservation Area I remember the first time I saw the beach. The brilliant This oasis of forested woodland and wetlands is transformative colours of the evening painted across the sky, the cool for the soul! Its beautiful landscape and nooks and crannies summer breeze and crystal-clear water — it took no time make you feel like you’ve been transported to another place. to become my favourite getaway outside the city. A great little respite from the city. Fiona McKean, Co-Founder Thistledown Foundation Tammy Cote, Algonquin Anishinabekwe from 9 Chaffey’s Lock 4 Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg I love this lock station in the middle of the world heritage

Kinew Zibi (Eagle River) Rideau Canal system because of the bucolic beauty, cottages This is the zibi (river) that taught me how to paddle in my nestled up along the shores, the group of swans that call it chiman (canoe) and about various kignonz (fish) species, home year round, and all the friendly faces. The fact that the including the namé (sturgeon), which was released safely back Opinicon resort is a short walk up from the locks is a bonus! into the zibi. I have so much respect for this beautiful place. Patrick Nadeau, Directeur général Isabelle Croteau, directrice du 10 de Garde-rivière des Outaouais 5 parc national de Plaisance Réserve faunique de Papineau-Labelle

Parc national de Plaisance, Sépaq On n’en aurait pas assez d’une vie pour découvrir la pêche sur Le pays des jardins flottants! Le parc national de Plaisance tous les plans d’eau de cette réserve faunique, la plus au sud est une zone de conservation permettant la protection et la du Québec. Plusieurs activités et formules d’hébergement y découverte de milieux humides riches de vie évoluant tout au sont proposés, tout ça facilité par l’excellente gestion de la long de l’année. Marcher à la Zizanie-des-marais, le trottoir SÉPAQ. Il n’est pas rare d’avoir un magnifique lac pour soi flottant, est une expérience fascinante. Tortues, poissons, ou presque! oiseaux et bien d’autres surprises au quotidien!

Lac du Poisson Blanc: Courtesy Parc régional du Poisson Blanc Chutes Coulonge: Frédéric Boulanger Plaisance: D. Bouchard Rapides-Deschenes: Ottawa Riverkeeper Constance Bay: Melissa Mascarenhas Chaffey’s Lock: Parks Canada

LA VOIX DE LA RIVIÈRE DES OUTAOUAIS | 7 Survey A RIVER RUNS probably amplified by the past few months of isolation and self-distancing, which may have influenced their survey responses. “This survey was done in the midst of a global pandemic when one of the only things we could THROUGH US actually do was go out and enjoy nature,” he says. “If anything, the pandemic is going to reinforce the value of conserving the natural assets that we have.” Since the health of the river impacts the health of The Ottawa River plays a vital role in the lives of locals, the ecosystem, it’s perhaps no surprise that 93 per cent comprehensive survey shows of respondents, regardless of their partisan beliefs, think governments need to invest more to protect and restore the Ottawa River. “If people believe that most Ontario and Quebec residents who live on or near the Ottawa River say the or all of their drinking water comes from the river, that waterway is central to their lives — culturally, ecologically, economically the health of that river is tied to their ecosystem and and recreationally — according to the first full-scale scientific survey of biodiversity of the region, then they’re going to want attitudes toward the river. Eighty-two per cent of respondents, both urban governments to protect it,” says Coletto. “Clean air and and rural, consider it important to their quality of life. But a large number water are things that people, regardless of their politics, are also concerned about the health of the river, specifically the impacts of take very personally.” sewage and pollutants such as pesticides and fertilizers — worries that make As for recreation, many respondents said they don’t some think the river is unsafe for swimming or fishing. use watercraft on the river because they don’t have the The survey, conducted by Ottawa Riverkeeper sponsor Abacus Data in right equipment. But roughly 65 per cent said they early July, polled residents who live within 30 kilometres of the river on a would at least consider using watercraft (kayaks, canoes, wide range of topics related to its status and importance. The numbers show paddleboards and so forth) if there was a place to rent that a majority of people regularly or occasionally visit parks along the river and learn to use them on the Ottawa River — important and more than half run or walk along it. Slightly fewer bike beside the river information for Ottawa Riverkeeper and potential and visit its beaches. rental agencies. While Canadians in general have always felt protective of clean air, Of those who don’t swim in the river, three quarters land and water, Abacus CEO David Coletto says that those feelings were say it’s because the water is not clean enough. In fact,

8 | THE VOICE OF THE OTTAWA RIVER 59 per cent of residents say the water is dirty or very 3% dirty and half say that the conditions are worse than they were 20 years ago — perceptions that don’t always 14% 21% 82% reflect reality, according to Ottawa Riverkeeper Elizabeth Logue. Among peoples’ concerns, diluted sewage ranks SAY THE OTTAWA the highest, yet “although sewage remains a problem, RIVER IS IMPORTANT tremendous progress has been made,” says Logue. TO THEIR OVERALL “Thanks to investments in recent years, the City of QUALITY OF LIFE. Ottawa has significantly reduced the volume of untreated sewage entering the river.” 34% 27% 93% BELIEVE While Ottawa Riverkeeper will continue pushing for GOVERNMENTS SHOULD improvements and educating the public and decision- INVEST MORE INTO THE makers around threats to the watershed, at the same OTTAWA RIVER TO time it wants to reassure members of the public that FURTHER PROTECT the waterway is safe. “We want people connecting with AND RESTORE IT. the water, because when you love and use something, you want to protect it,” says Logue. “Many people are Extremely important Very important Important Not that important Not important at all still reluctant to use it for recreational activities but in reality, it’s much cleaner than we think.” The Abacus survey report includes a demographic breakdown which shows that youth use the river a “If anything, the pandemic is going to reinforce the lot and consider it important but rank highest when value of conserving the natural assets that we have.” asked if they think the water is dirty or very dirty. This suggests that Ottawa Riverkeeper should continue engaging with young people through educational and  David Coletto, CEO, Abacus Data outreach programs.

 The Abacus Ottawa River Valley Residents Survey polled 800 people from July 2 to 6 and is considered accurate to within +/- 3.45 per cent, 19 times out of 20. To read the full report, go to ottawariverkeeper.ca/2020survey. Photo: Mark Bernards Photo:

LA VOIX DE LA RIVIÈRE DES OUTAOUAIS | 9 Community

FUTURE BEARING

Ottawa Riverkeeper sets Genevieve Donin is a certified rescue diver but, typical of its sights on the next many National Capital Region residents, she had never been generation and a new on the Ottawa River let alone considered diving there. But riverside home after participating in Ottawa Riverkeeper’s Youth Water Leaders Program (YWLP), she’s looking at her own backyard  The historic boathouse that could soon become with open eyes. home to Ottawa Riverkeeper programs, such as Youth Water Leaders (opposite top and bottom).

10 | THE VOICE OF THE OTTAWA RIVER Photo: Roger Hiscocks Donin, 24, is a University of Ottawa master’s student in on the river and co-designed projects. One youth, for example, environmental sustainability and was part of 2019-2020’s second received a prestigious Young Leader grant to create and host cohort of the YWLP. Her experiences in the program included virtual nature journaling sessions, encouraging youth participants an overnight whitewater rafting trip on the Gatineau River, an to undertake solitary time observing nature and deepen their exchange with First Nations youth from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg understanding of the plants and wildlife in the watershed. Other and the Algonquins of Barriere Lake, and a webinar on the youth are developing educational materials that can be used in diversity of local freshwater mussels. “Becoming more connected classrooms and added to Ottawa Riverkeeper’s Learning Library. with your natural surroundings really grounds you to a place,” But the organization wants to do more to get youth on, in and says Donin, who is originally from Toronto. “It starts to feel excited about the Ottawa River watershed, which is why Sarazin like home. Instead of just, ‘Oh, I live by the river,’ you develop a is planning for and taking steps toward the creation of a River relationship with the water and become aware of the challenges School — a learning hub where young people can get hands-on it faces. It becomes special to you.” experience about the watershed and the flora and fauna within it. This is exactly what Naomi Sarazin was hoping for. The Senior Sarazin is still figuring out community needs and what the school Manager of Ottawa Riverkeeper’s Youth and Education Programs might entail but is excited about the myriad possibilities. “Land and an Anishinabe from the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn and water have a lot to teach us — not just about our natural First Nation, Sarazin knows that environmental organizations surroundings, but also about who we are,” she says. “When you must engage with youth in order to thrive. Her job is to conjure go out and connect to nature, it allows you to grow and get a sense meaningful ways to do that. of your place in the world.” The YWLP supports the leadership development of youth aged Now, imagine if these programs, the Learning Library and other 17 to 25 and educates them about issues impacting the Ottawa projects could be offered right on the banks of the Ottawa River. River watershed in the hopes that participants become advocates If Ottawa Riverkeeper Elizabeth Logue gets her wish, that might and community leaders around water ecology, health and become a reality in a historic boathouse that the organization would sustainability. That’s done through expert mentorship, experiences like to help transform into River House. The century-old, three- storey, gable-roofed pavilion perched over the water on stilts in the east end of Ottawa had fallen into disrepair. In 2010, it received federal heritage status and the National Capital Commission is currently overseeing extensive repairs and upgrades.

“When you go out and connect to nature, it allows you to grow and get a sense of your place in the world.”

 Naomi Sarazin, Senior Manager, Youth and Education Programs, Ottawa Riverkeeper

While those renovations are under way, Ottawa Riverkeeper is in discussions about establishing a new head office, resource centre, the River School and revenue generating activities that would support the organization’s work while providing unique opportunities to enjoy the beautiful waterfront location. It’s early days, cautions Logue, and nothing is official yet, but it’s difficult to contain enthusiasm when the stars appear to be aligning. “The dream was always to be on the water, and water connects us to the whole territory, it’s our common bond,” she says. “From there, we started thinking, ‘What if it was a water embassy? What if it was a convening place for talking about water health, gathering all generations, community leaders, scientists, youth and elders?’ So we’re dreaming big and putting behind it a work plan to make it happen.” A new home, and a place for budding and experienced water leaders to come together and learn from one another — and to inspire others to see the watershed in a fresh way.

LA VOIX DE LA RIVIÈRE DES OUTAOUAIS | 11 Photos: Martin Lipman Gala

Watershed

Meet the newest Honorary Riverkeepers, former Governor General the Right Honourable Wisdom David Johnston and Mrs. Sharon Johnston Photo: Martin Lipman Photo:

12 | THE VOICE OF THE OTTAWA RIVER The St. Marys River is short but mighty. Flowing for only 120 kilometres from Lake Superior to Lake Huron, at its widest point the St. Marys is more than seven kilometres across. With abundant fish and ample game in the surrounding forests, the river — like many in the Ottawa River watershed — was a traditional gathering place for trade and meetings among Anishinaabe peoples.

It was home to a rich fishery of adikameg — a species that European settlers called whitefish. Early accounts tell of Indigenous fishers dipping their nets into the rapids while adroitly standing upright in birchbark canoes and pulling out six or seven large adikameg at a time. By the 20th century, however, the river’s bounty had largely disappeared. The Right Honourable David Johnston — who served as the Governor General of Canada from 2010 to 2017 — and his wife Mrs. Sharon Johnston grew up along the banks of the St. Marys in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. But the high school sweethearts, who married in 1964, weren’t able to fully enjoy the waterway during their youth. Industrial development and sewage dumping had polluted the river, and it was all but unusable for recreational purposes. “When we were growing up, we were prohibited from even swimming in the river,” says Mrs. Johnston. “The water was contaminated then, but thanks to good sewage disposal and a recovery effort, our grandchildren were able to learn to water ski on that river.” For Mr. and Mrs. Johnston, the decimation of the St. Marys — and subsequent efforts to restore the river to its former glory — emphasize the importance of good stewardship. This is the perspective and wisdom that they bring to their new role as Honorary Riverkeepers for the Ottawa River. “Just as the river gives to us, so too must we give back. Living in harmony with the splendor of nature is a duty we all must fulfill.”

 The Right Honourable David Johnston, the former Governor General of Canada

In more typical times, Honorary Riverkeepers are introduced at Ottawa Riverkeeper’s annual gala. In the midst  Honorary Riverkeepers the Right Honourable David of a pandemic, of course, large gatherings aren’t possible. Johnston and Mrs. Sharon Johnston are presented So as part of this year’s innovative Gala: Deconstructed, the a unique handcrafted canoe paddle by Geoff Green, Chair of Ottawa Riverkeeper’s Board of Directors. newest Honorary Riverkeepers were recognized at an outdoor ceremony on the banks of the Tenagadino Zibi (Gatineau

LA VOIX DE LA RIVIÈRE DES OUTAOUAIS | 13 River) in mid-July. The Chair of Ottawa Riverkeeper’s Board of Directors, Students On Ice Foundation Founder and President Geoff Green, presented Mr. and Mrs. Johnston with a unique canoe paddle that was handcrafted from wood and composite materials by Echo Paddles of Wakefield, Que. Though their role is symbolic, the Johnstons take it seriously. Since Mr. Johnston was appointed Governor General — he was a law professor, Principal of McGill University and President of the University of Waterloo beforehand — the couple has lived in the Ottawa River watershed. Mr. Johnston’s Scottish-Irish ancestors emigrated here in 1848 before moving “up river” to Sault Ste. Marie at the beginning of the 20th century, and three of the couple’s five daughters and eight of their 14 grandchildren now call it home. “We have decided to make Ottawa our last home, the place where we want to enjoy the rest of our life,” says Mrs. Johnston, who worked as a physical and occupational therapist, and has published two novels and is working on the third in a trilogy based on her family history. “The river is one of its great draws. It’s important in terms of its beauty and also for recreation. And it’s nice to know that we will actually be working on it as Riverkeepers.”

14 | THE VOICE OF THE OTTAWA RIVER As Honorary Riverkeepers, Mr. and Mrs. Johnston will advocate Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, the wife of Prime Minister contribute to the conservation of the Ottawa River watershed Justin Trudeau; two former Bank of Canada Governors, Mark for future generations, but the former Governor General is Carney and Stephen Poloz; former Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin also captivated by its past. Rivers have played a central role in Vickers; and former Canadian Football League star Henry Burris. Canadian history. Both the Ottawa and St. Marys rivers have been “Honorary Riverkeepers are people who inspire us, not only for used for transportation and sustenance by countless generations their many achievements, but also with their vision, integrity and of Indigenous peoples, and both were part of the fur trading leadership,” says Green. “It is a title that is retained for life, and routes travelled by European voyageurs. “It was a very poignant Riverkeepers serve as ambassadors and champions for Ottawa experience to live in Rideau Hall, where you have two rivers, the Riverkeeper and our watershed. Our 2020 Honorary Riverkeepers Rideau and the Gatineau, flowing into the Ottawa River,” recalls are truly extraordinary people who have helped to make Canada Mr. Johnston. “Looking westward, you can see the statue of and everyone around them better. We are so thrilled to have the Samuel de Champlain on the lookout near Parliament Hill. Right Honourable David Johnston and Mrs. Sharon Johnston join “As Governor General, people often asked me if I had a our Riverkeeper family. I know they will be great ambassadors for favourite Governor General. You’re not supposed to, but if I did, Ottawa Riverkeeper’s mission, vision and work.” my choice would be Champlain. He was the first Governor of New France and was a Governor General in all but name. He is a much-misunderstood man. In English-language history, I learned “Honorary Riverkeepers are people that he was a kind of conquistador. But In fact, as I learned more about him, I realized he was a believer in inclusivity — in building who inspire us, not only for their many strong communities and establishing friendly relations with all. achievements, but also with their vision, That was his dream for Canada, as Pulitzer Prize winning author David Hackett Fisher describes in Champlain’s Dream.” integrity and leadership.” Every year, Ottawa Riverkeeper recognizes outstanding citizens with the Honorary Riverkeeper distinction. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston join an eminent group: the Right Honourable  Geoff Green, C.M., C.Q., Chair of Beverley McLachlin, the former Chief Justice of Canada; Senator Ottawa Riverkeeper’s Board of Directors Murray Sinclair, who was Chief Commissioner of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission; children’s and women’s rights For their part, the Johnstons view the role as an opportunity to further deepen their connection with the watershed. “We want to be active as Riverkeepers,” says Mrs. Johnston. “To learn about our waterways and to use them recreationally. We want to know everything about the watershed, the Ottawa River and what is being done to preserve fish life. Our grandchildren and our grandchildren’s grandchildren will grow up here.” Caring for our natural heritage, says Mr. Johnston, is a shared duty for all Canadians. “It is remarkable that we can enjoy a metropolitan centre as active and busy as the National Capital Region and have this beautiful nature here,” he says, admiring the rolling Outaouais hills that provide the backdrop for the Honorary Riverkeeper ceremony. “To live alongside a river like this is a gift and a privilege, but it comes with responsibility. Just as the river gives to us, so too must we give back. Living in harmony with the splendor of nature is a duty we all must fulfill. We are so lucky as Canadians to inhabit this geography — to have the longest coastline in the world and the most freshwater lakes and rivers. What a responsibility it is, and we thank Ottawa Riverkeeper for their continued leadership, inspiration and expertise.”

 Opposite page bottom: Ottawa Riverkeeper Elizabeth Logue. This page: The ceremonial Honorary Riverkeeper paddle, handcrafted by Echo Paddles.

Photos: Martin Lipman

LA VOIX DE LA RIVIÈRE DES OUTAOUAIS | 15 Gala

auction catalogue de l’encan

Our awesome annual auction goes online! Notre formidable encan annuel passe au virtuel!

Join us in a fun online silent auction this year! Our wildly popular Cette année, participez à un encan silencieux en ligne palpitant! Il y a Riverkeeper Gala auction has always featured unique and exclusive toujours eu des articles uniques et exclusifs à notre légendaire encan du Gala items, and this year is no exception. Bid on an impressive array of Garde-rivière, et cette année ne fait pas exception. Faites vos offres parmi high-end items, from experience packages to gorgeous artwork and un éventail impressionnant d’articles exceptionnels : forfaits-expériences, one-of-a-kind items. All proceeds go towards keeping our watershed œuvres d’art magnifiques et produits uniques. Tous les profits serviront à swimmable, drinkable and fishable for everyone. la protection de notre bassin versant, pour que son eau demeure potable et propice à la pêche et à la baignade pour tous. Hurry! The auction will officially end at 8 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, August 31. Text “bid” to 613-651-1734 Faites vite! L’encan prendra officiellement fin à or use this link ottawariverkeeper.ca/auction2020 20 h 00 HAE, le mardi 31 août. Textez « bid » au to access our auction. 613-651-1734 ou utilisez le lien suivant ottawariverkeeper.ca/encan2020 pour accéder à l’encan. You’ll be prompted to enter your cell number or email address and then you can participate in this super exciting experience. If you On vous demandera d’entrer votre numéro de cellulaire ou votre adresse have any questions or need assistance with the auction please courriel afin de participer à cette expérience électrisante. Si vous avez des email [email protected]. questions ou avez besoin d’assistance en ce qui concerne l’encan, veuillez écrire à [email protected].

16 | THE VOICE OF THE OTTAWA RIVER here’s a sneak peek of some of the highlights

Exclusive Fogo Island Pottery Retreat A four-night, three-day stay for up to six people on Newfoundland’s Fogo Island. This lucky group will be among the very first to experience the new Fogo Clay Studio, opening this summer! Courtesy of Sarah Fulford and Ottawa Riverkeeper board member Tracey Clark. Exclusive Miramichi Fly Fishing Trip Two-day fly fishing experience for four at the Sutter Club, one of the top salmon clubs on New Brunswick’s Miramichi River. Salmon fishing, hiking and biking trails, and water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are available at this 50-acre waterfront property. Courtesy of long-time Riverkeeper supporter Gary Zed. Chester Yawl Rowboat From Boatworks Ottawa, this handmade wooden boat — modelled on the 19th-century harbour “taxis” — keeps the traditional good looks and efficient form but is constructed with modern materials. Mont Ste Marie Ski Weekend Getaway A weekend at Mont Ste Marie, one hour north of Ottawa. Includes four downhill ski day passes. Outside your front door an outdoor playground awaits. Ottawa Kayarafting Adventure From Boreal River Adventures, an experience for up to 10 people. Paddle and swim whitewater in a beginner-friendly setting. Learn safety concepts and how to read rapids, and connect with the river on an adventure in the city. “Reflection” Handmade Wooden Paddle From Echo Padldles, “Reflection” is a flatwater handmade paddle with a remarkably smooth entry and exit and feathering action. Artwork: Imaginary Grace This beautiful painting by Nicole Allen — acrylic on canvas, 36 inches by 36 inches — comes with a $250 gift certificate for custom framing at Ottawa’s Wall Space Gallery + Framing. Thirty Pounds of Snow Crab From Premium Seafoods, enjoy 30 pounds of MSC-certified frozen snow crab, caught in the cold waters of the Canadian North Atlantic. Atlantic Lobster Meal Treat yourself to 25 pounds of MSC-certified lobster. The lobster is caught in the Atlantic waters off the southeastern coast of Cape Breton Island by a father-daughter crew. Car Detailing Package From Star Motors, a $500 credit at their collision centre, good on any make and model and can even be applied towards cosmetic repairs. Shoreline Clean-up With Ottawa Riverkeeper A fantastic corporate team building activity for up to 50 people. You tell us the preferred time and date, and we’ll pick a location, bring the equipment, a camera LAfor VOIXphotos DE and, LA of RIVIÈRE course, DESsnacks. OUTAOUAIS | 17 18 | THE VOICE OF THE OTTAWA RIVER Gala

 PrPresentingesenting Sponsor

 River PickPick-Me-Up-Me-Up Sponsor  WWaveave MakMakerer Sponsor

 Platinum SponsorSponsorss ®

 Gold SponsorsSponsors

 Silver SponsorSponsorss

 BrBronzeonze SponsorSponsorss

 Special ThankThankss

LA VOIX DE LA RIVIÈRE DES OUTAOUAIS | 19 Ecology

 Clockwise from top left: Ottawa Riverkeeper team assessing water quality; Nagadjitòdjig Aki, the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg guardians; RBC employees helping to keep our river clean; Marjolaine Hudon, Regional President for Ontario North and East THE BIG at RBC, at the RBC WHAM funding announcement. Photos, clockwise from top left: Matthew Brocklehurst, Martin Lipman, Martin PICTURE Lipman, Ryan Seyeau/Rubicon Photography

Ottawa Riverkeeper’s Watershed Health Assessment and Monitoring project takes the pulse of the whole system

20 | THE VOICE OF THE OTTAWA RIVER The Ottawa River watershed is a complex aquatic One of the co-developers of WHAM, the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation near Maniwaki, Que., recently launched tapestry twice the size of New Brunswick. At its heart its own guardian program, Nagadjitòdjig Aki, which also collects flows the 1,271 kilometre-long Ottawa River, which is data on fish health, water quality and invasive species in its territory. “The health of the community is tied to the land, aki, and fed by scores of other rivers, creeks, ponds and lakes. to the water, zibi,” says Linda Dwyer-Commando, a forester and head of Nagadjitòdjig Aki. One of the main concerns for Kitigan Zibi is environmental contamination, including mercury in fish. The watershed is used for recreation, fishing, agriculture, “We still fish and hunt for subsistence,” says Dwyer-Commando. hydro power, urban development and more. But until Ottawa “The Nagadjitòdjig Aki are working with Ottawa Riverkeeper to fill Riverkeeper and its partners started a major project to examine in the knowledge gaps on the health of the watershed, guided by the watershed’s overall ecological health, nobody had done a both Indigenous knowledge and western science.” comprehensive scientific study of the entire system. “And how do The need to know in order to protect the watershed led Ottawa’s you protect something,” asks Larissa Holman, the organization’s Gwen Frankton to become involved with WHAM as a citizen Director of Science and Policy, “you know very little about?” scientist — one of dozens of passionate volunteers throughout Even though the watershed supports and connects some two the watershed, convened and trained by Ottawa Riverkeeper, who million people — including First Nations in Ontario and Quebec, provide valuable data. Some of the indicators being studied, such as Ottawans turning on the tap to quench their thirst and farmers algal blooms, lend themselves well to citizen science, and leveraging growing crops — there have been no integrated efforts to examine the work of volunteers not only helps add data to the overall effort its vital signs. So in 2018, Ottawa Riverkeeper launched the but also brings awareness to their local communities. Watershed Health Assessment and Monitoring (WHAM) project. “The goal of WHAM is to provide the best possible information to the public and decision-makers on our watershed’s health so fact-based decisions can be taken to improve its condition,” “We are working with Ottawa explains Holman. “We do this by collecting whatever data exists and gathering new data through community-based monitoring Riverkeeper to fill in the knowledge on different rivers and creeks.” When these pieces are combined, the picture that emerges will serve not only as a snapshot of the gaps on the health of the watershed, ecological integrity of the system but also as a baseline for assessing future changes and informing conservation efforts and policies. guided by both Indigenous knowledge With initial support from Environment and Climate Change Canada and subsequent funding from the RBC Foundation, the and western science.” Echo Foundation and the Mosaic Company, the multiyear project has been informed since its inception by a broad range of experts convened by Ottawa Riverkeeper, including representatives from academic institutions, environmental NGOs, First Nations and  Linda Dwyer-Commando, head of Nagadjitòdjig Aki, municipalities. These experts came to a consensus on a list of 14 the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg guardians indicators to measure — such as flow, temperature, phosphorus and dissolved oxygen — to track water quality over time. “These measures will reveal the physical aspects as well as the chemical Frankton collects water samples to determine the amount composition of the main river and its tributaries,” says biologist of road salt in a creek in her west-end Ottawa neighbourhood. Jérôme Marty, one of the scientific advisors to WHAM. “With This past winter, she headed out after major snowfalls carrying these, we can identify areas in good health and come up with a collecting jars and conductivity meters. Passersby were curious conservation plan to protect them, and areas in poor health and asked questions. “That’s good for building awareness,” says that need help.” Frankton, “and gets the word out about the watershed.” Like Because many pulp and paper mills that operated in the churning tributaries, community monitors, Indigenous guardians watershed have closed over the past couple decades and sewage and scientists involved in WHAM help stir up and funnel the goes through modernized treatment plants, water quality has knowledge needed to protect the Ottawa River system. The improved in many place. Sawdust no longer clogs the riverbanks, project, then, is a mirror of the watershed itself — individual and there are more stringent caps on the release of chemicals and actions that flow toward a common goal. isotopes (the latter from the Chalk River nuclear research facility). But issues still remain near urban areas or as the result of past and ongoing land use activities. So WHAM collaborates with community members and First Nations to gather data by doing field measurements.

LA VOIX DE LA RIVIÈRE DES OUTAOUAIS | 21 Plages

Une saucette… bien informée! L’importance d’analyser la qualité de l’eau de baignade Brocklehurst Matthew Photos:

À la plage, il y a deux sortes de personnes. Celles permettent par ailleurs de militer pour une meilleure surveillance. Par exemple, nous demandons à ce que les plages de Gatineau, dont qui crient “1-2-3-go” et qui plongent allègrement, la qualité de l’eau peut fluctuer relativement rapidement, soient et celles qui s’avancent, un petit millimètre à la fois, testées par la Ville à tous les jours. Nos données ont démontré que le régime actuel (de deux tests par semaine tout au plus) “manque” pour se convaincre que le froid en vaut la peine! parfois des niveaux préoccupants de pathogènes, ou à l’inverse maintient une fermeture de plage trop longtemps alors que la qualité de l’eau s’y est pourtant rétablie. Une fois cette étape stratégique franchie... nous ne sommes plus Alors que vous soyiez du type 1-2-3-go ou du type tout-en- qu’un seul groupe. Un groupe qui adore la baignade et qui se douceur, n’oubliez pas de vérifier la qualité de l’eau avant votre compte chanceux de pouvoir s’y adonner dans nos lacs et rivières. prochain plongeon - vos proches et votre plan d’eau vous en Un excellent outil pour découvrir des sites de baignade est le remercieront! Swim Guide (theswimguide.org), un site web et appli. Garde- rivière des Outaouais y maintient de l’information sur des centaines de plages dans notre région, y compris leur qualité de l’eau. S’informer sur la qualité de l’eau de baignade, c’est faire oeuvre utile à plusieurs niveaux. D’abord, c’est une question de santé, puisque les pathogènes présents en trop grandes quantités peuvent provoquer des complications gastro-intestinales et des infections cutanées, respiratoires, et oculaires. Mais s’informer sur la qualité de l’eau, c’est aussi poser un geste pour la protéger. Ainsi, vous apprendrez à mieux connaître “votre” plage: à quelle fréquence les autorités prennent-elles des échantillons? Peuvent-elles expliquer pourquoi la qualité de l’eau se détériore, le cas échéant? Garde-rivière des Outaouais a récemment fait l’acquisition d’équipement de laboratoire afin de pouvoir mener ses propres analyses de qualité de l’eau. Grâce à un réseau de bénévoles formées par nos professionnelles, nous parvenons à fournir des données  À gauche: Les citoyens profitants de la plage du parc des Cèdres. scientifiques au public en temps réel, en particulier pour des sites À droite: Sauveteuse au parc des Cèdres. peu ou pas échantillonnés par les autorités. Ces données nous

22 | THE VOICE OF THE OTTAWA RIVER 100 ans de 100 Years générosité of Giving Depuis plus Over the past de 100 ans, 100 years, we’re nous sommes happy to have heureux de faire made a significant la différence difference pour des milliers to thousands d’organismes à of non-profit but non lucratif, et organizations, pour les gens qui and to the people en dépendent. who count on their support. Fidèle à cette tradition, le CN In this tradition, est fier de soutenir CN is proud to Garde-rivière support the Ottawa des Outaouais. Riverkeeper. cn.ca/collectivite cn.ca/community

LA VOIX DE LA RIVIÈRE DES OUTAOUAIS | 23 “My connection to this place runs deep and strstrong.ong. I lovelove the wwaterater and I loloveve this territory.territory. And I loloveve what happens when grgreateat people come togtogetherether with a common purpose.purpose.””

 Elizabeth Logue Ottawa Riverkeeper

ottawariverkeeper.ca garderivieredesoutaouais.ca